Food and Drink

Food & Drink

We often target the opinion of the grocery decision maker (quite often Mum) – but we have also engaged with children, Dads and grandparents. We have also engaged with b2b audiences – including independent retailers and buyers. In addition to the traditional research methods, we also use more innovative approaches in the food & drink sector – including our Pickles app and other ethnographic techniques / observations (e.g. watching households prepare and consume meals).

Food and drink research expertise

Innovation and NPD

We have used our Popcorn innovation process to explore opportunities for brand stretch within categories including home baking. These programmes have involved us observing Mums as they prepare meals (looking out for unmet needs and coping mechanisms) and laddering to understand fundamental emotional needs when in meal-prep mode.

Product and Concept testing

In addition to helping clients develop brand new ideas, we have used research to refine and develop existing ideas. We have recently worked within healthy snacking, cakes and biscuits, on-the-go hot snacks and dairy categories. These have including qualitative programmes to explore and develop concepts (often within the purchase / consumption context), and surveys to measure appeal, consideration, price sensitivity, etc.

Communications developing / testing

We have delivered research in the food & drink sector to develop and refine communications campaigns – including testing the appropriacy of creative executions for TV, radio, outdoor, digital, etc. We have also been asked to help research packaging design and messaging for clients in both food and drink categories.

Brand research

Our research has been used by clients in the sector to develop and launch new brands – including a new cup-cake brand and a brand of iced biscuits. We also conduct brand tracking for a major UK manufacturer of pies and savoury pastries. Tracking and understanding perceptions of the ‘food and drink offer’ is also an integral part of our work we conduct across theme parks and other leisure attractions.

U&A (needs and behaviours)

We often deliver category reviews – helping clients understand more about who is buying their products. We help clients understand when, why, where, for what occasion, etc. Also, who is not buying and why. Such projects have helped clients understand the growth potential for individual brands and SKUs by capitalising on the triggers and overcoming the barriers to purchase.

Our Thinking

Our people

Our people are our business. The Mustard team is an eclectic mix of skilled, passionate researchers and strategists. We’re all in the job to make a difference, and love nothing more than seeing our clients win.

Making the difference

Thinking about commissioning a market research agency but not sure where to start? We would be delighted if you made contact to tell us about some of the challenges you are facing, or the knowledge gaps that need filling. Please get in touch and we will explain more about our difference making capabilities.

Mustard, 3rd Floor, 56 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6HS, United Kingdom. Mustard is a trading name of Mustard Market Research Limited, registered in England and Wales with company number 06706816. VAT number GB 945 6312 15.